Source/Distillery Historic District – TORONTO: The Distillery District is back with a re-named and re-imagined holiday event: The Winter Village. Replacing The Christmas Market and back after a 2020 hiatus (as most events are).
The Distillery Winter Village is kicking off the 2021 season with the Ceremonial Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday November 18th. Guests can watch as the 55-foot-tall Silver Fir Tree lights up with 60,000 LED lights the Distillery District and commences a beloved annual market at 5:30pm.
Once the tree is lit, the Distillery District transforms into a magical winter paradise all the way until December 31, 2021.
“The Distillery Winter Village is the picture-perfect holiday shopping experience,” says Nadine Singh, Manager, Events and Sponsorship at The Distillery Historic District. “It’s an intimate event, where friends and family gather to explore the rich history of The Distillery District, take-in the timeless romance of the holidays, and enjoy a curated selection of Toronto’s finest craftspeople, local shops, restaurants and cafes.”
With the lights, vendors, restaurants, fire, hot drinks, and holiday spirit everywhere, this is one of Toronto’s most beloved winter date ideas!
Entry Information
Tickets will be required for entry on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4:00 pm.
Every day vetween December 20 – 23 tickets will be required after 4:00 pm to help manage traffic during peak hours.
At all other times, access is free and tickets are not required.
Purchase your tickets online – $8.00 General Admission for those six years and older
On Tuesday through to Sundays from 12:00 pm to close, all guests 12+ will be asked to show proof of full vaccination at entry points along with government issued ID.
Ready for your Distillery Winter Village date night?
Here’s a guide for everything you can find this year at the holiday market and village:
Shopping
Holiday shoppers can find everything they need for romantic gifts, men’s and women’s fashion, and local goods!
In addition to the year-round 75+ local merchants, restaurants and cafés, expect to find new seasonal vendor cabins offering uniquely curated seasonal items and gifts.
Gift Wrapping
Through a partnership with Interac, shoppers are being offered complimentary gift-wrapping services from December 1 – 23,. Donations made will benefit SickKids and The Salvation Army.
The wrapping station will be available at the ground level of Artscape at 15 Case Goods Lane.
Food and Dining
In addition to the many permanent restaurants and extended patios, there are 12 new and exciting food cabins offering a wide variety of flavours and experiences.
Food options include: raclette, patatas bravas, schnitzel, frites, doughnuts, Crepes, pretzels, jerk chicken, empanadas, fried chicken, tacos, and pizza.
For those who love beverages, there is the Archeo sommelier and mixology experience, Naughty or Nice bar, Cluny light tunnel bar, El Catrin bar, and the Tree lot bar.
Alcoholic beverages can not be consumed outside of the restaurants and licensed patios.
Selfies with Santa
Santa is also doing things a bit differently this year. Expect to find Santa and his team of elves roaming the cobblestone streets. Also strolling the site and bringing holiday cheer — a superb line-up of buskers and carolers.
Buy your Christmas Tree
Forests Ontario will be selling real, locally-sourced trees ranging from 8-feet tall to “condo-sized”, as well as wreaths.
Trees and wreaths will only be available for pre-purchase through Forests Ontario’s online shop until supplies last, with a contactless drive-through pickup on November 27th from 10 am to 3:30 pm behind Balzac’s Coffee Roasters.
So ready for the holiday dates? Keep an eye on our website to make your date night bucket lists all season long!
